Winning is part of the expectation in Wagoner, and Noah Peet knows carrying on that tradition requires more than what happens under the lights on Friday night.

Peet, a senior football player and wrestler at Wagoner High School, has built his approach around work, fundamentals and consistency. After earning Defensive Player of the Year honors for his team, he enters his final season looking to make an even bigger impact.

“I plan on making a big impact on the field this year,” Peet said.

That goal comes from years of learning what it takes to improve. One of the biggest lessons Peet has taken from athletics is the importance of showing up even when the work is difficult.

“To show up and work hard no matter how I am feeling,” Peet said.

His philosophy is also grounded in keeping things simple. Rather than getting caught up in everything that comes later, Peet believes improvement starts with doing the basics well.

“Master the fundamentals before focusing on other things,” Peet said. “It has helped me focus on the little things that make the most impact.”

That mentality was shaped by people who pushed him throughout his time at Wagoner. Peet said Mr. Hurst encouraged him to keep going in football, while former strength and conditioning coach Austin Condict helped start his weightlifting journey and taught him how to work hard.

Peet has also seen the value of growth through teammate Keyshawn Brown, who he said “has grown as a person and has shaped up to become a great leader to the team.”

For Peet, that leadership and work ethic fit into something bigger. His favorite thing about Wagoner is its winning tradition, one he now has an opportunity to help continue as a senior.

Beyond football and wrestling, Peet is involved in science club and volunteers around his community whenever he can. But as his final football season approaches, his focus is on making the most of the opportunity in front of him.

The standard has already been set in Wagoner. Peet wants to do his part to uphold it.